South Dakota Court Suspends Law License Of Former Attorney General After Fatal Accident

The South Dakota Supreme Court has ordered a six-month suspension of former state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg's law license, citing actions he took after a deadly accident with a pedestrian that precipitated his political downfall.

Ravnsborg violated "Rules of Professional Conduct," the Supreme Court ruling issued Wednesday states.

"Ravnsborg's patent dishonesty concerning the use of his phone, as well as the developed forensic evidence, raise genuine questions about the integrity of his statements regarding the night of the accident," the ruling states. "This conduct, particularly considering Ravnsborg's prominent position as attorney general, reflected adversely on the legal profession as a whole and impeded the administration of justice."

It's unclear if Ravnsborg will appeal. A call to a phone number listed for Ravnsborg on Thursday went unanswered. Messages were left with Ravnsborg's attorney, Michael Butler.

Ravnsborg, a Republican, was elected in 2018. He was impeached and removed from office less than two years after the 2020 accident that killed 55-year-old Joe Boever, who was walking along a rural stretch of highway when he was struck.